Letter of honour from the state of Hesse
Service description
The Letter of Honour is an award presented by the Hessian Minister President in 1973 by the then Minister President Albert Osswald for special voluntary commitment in the area of democratic, social or cultural shaping of society. Since 1998, the district administrator and the mayor of the district in whose area of responsibility the honouree resides have decided whether to award a letter of honour.
In addition, the Hessian Minister President can award special personalities with the State Certificate of Honour on his own authority.
Between 1000 and 1500 letters of honour are awarded in Hesse every year. The award of the State of Hesse's Letter of Honour requires at least 12 years of active voluntary work in local self-government or in municipal institutions, in associations with cultural and social objectives (see notes) or in a comparable manner. The nominee must be worthy of the honour. However, as this is a state honour, there is no legal entitlement to the award.
Which documents are required?
The proposal to the District Administrator or Lord Mayor should contain at least the following information on the proposed person:
- First name and surname,
- Residential address,
- Date of birth,
- Description of the type and scope of voluntary work
- if applicable, reference persons, associations or organisations who can comment on the commitment of the nominee
Processing time
It may take several weeks or months to review the proposal, as the various institutions, organisations, associations and committees in which the nominee is or was active on a voluntary basis must comment on the proposal.
Legal basis
Decree on the Foundation of the Letter of Honour of the State of Hesse dated 26/05/1973 as amended on 05/09/2008
Legal remedy
The award of the Letter of Honour of the State of Hesse is a distinction that can (but does not have to) be awarded if the requirements specified in the decree are met.
As with all honours, there is no "legal entitlement" to it.
What else should I know?
The following honorary positions in associations with cultural and social objectives are eligible for the State Certificate of Honour: association chairpersons, deputy chairpersons, treasurers and treasurers, managing directors on the executive board and secretaries. In addition, city councillors, municipal representatives, members of local councils, honorary aldermen and city councillors in municipal bodies as well as arbitrators and honorary judges can receive the award, provided they fulfil the other requirements. Under certain conditions, other voluntary work can also be honoured with the State Certificate of Honour.
Remarks
- Picture: The Letter of Honour of the State of Hesse (sample presentation).
Hessian State Chancellery
- Picture: The Letter of Honour of the State of Hesse (sample presentation).
Typing
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